Obituary of Francisco Ollervidez Garza

Francisco Ollervidez Garza, 94 of Lorain, Ohio died peacefully at home and went home to be with our “Lord” on Friday, December 31, 2021.  He was born October 2, 1927 in Hebbronville Texas.  His parents moved to Lorain, Ohio to find work at the local steel mill.   Frank enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17 where he served 4 years from 1945 to 1949 and was a World War II Veteran.  He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Area Medal and Good Conduct Medal. 

Francisco worked as a welder at US Steel where he retired after 40 years employment.  Following his retirement Francisco moved to San Jose, California in 1984.  Francisco was employed as a maintenance worker for Santa Clara County.   He moved to Santa Cruz, California following his marriage to Anastasia “Nina” in 1990 until her death in 1998.  He resided approximately 30 years in Santa Cruz until November, 2019 and was a resident of Garfield Village Park before returning back to Lorain, Ohio.  

Francisco was very much involved and active in his church, Our Lady Star of the Sea and Oblates of St. Joseph Shrine in Santa Cruz.   He was a Eucharistic Minister, altar server and involved in various church committees.  Francisco was a very good loving man, strong in his faith committed to serving the Lord and was on his mission to pray for others and save souls.  He prayed all day long and would say the Our Father and the rosary daily.    “Faith, Hope and Charity” were the words he lived by.   Francisco lived a full and happy life.  He lived his life in kindness and always willing to help others especially those less fortunate. 

Francisco is survived by children, Francisco A. Garza, Jr of Fremont, California, Martha “Tita”  Guzman, Gerald F Garza, Maria Cortez-Gonzalez, Irma Ruiz (Paul) and Patricia Gordon all of Lorain, Ohio and Theresa A  Boneta, “Tito” of Vermillion, Ohio,  Ron Kerney of Santa Cruz, daughter Kathleen Corrollo of San Jose, and Linda Calandrino of Hawaii.   He was the oldest of 5 and his only surviving sibling is his sister Maria (Nina) Albert Rodriguez of Lutz, Florida.  He was grandfather to 13 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren. He was called “Grandpa Garza” by so many who just embraced him as their own.   He was loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren and will be missed by all family members, friends and his caregivers.  He loved his family and always enjoyed getting together with family and friends who he considered his extended family.  He loved gardening, making his salsa, bowling, taking pictures and traveling. 

Francisco was preceded in death by his parents Emilio and Antonia Garza (nee Berlanga) and his wife Anastacia Cruz Kerney Garza, his ex-wife Felicita A Garza, his brothers, Emil Garza, Ramon Garza and Higenio “Gene” Garza, and his two grandsons, Gerald Tomas Garza, and Hector A Guzman, Jr.   

  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on on Tuesday, January 25^th at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Star of the Sea.